When it comes to soccer, playing in Europe has been the golden ticket for Americans. But, times are changing now. With the domestic leagues leveling up, USWNT legend Alex Morgan believes that the NWSL’s new CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) deal will bring it closer to matching its European counterparts. 

The latest CBA system eliminates the draft system, and the new policies are in line with FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players. In general, this will make the league more player-centric and in line with the European soccer system. For Alex Morgan, the deal is more than a welcome change for players, it represents a significant improvement in overall playing conditions. 

“I think that the NWSL has raised its level so much, especially in the last couple of years, where not only are we retaining the talent of US players, but we are bringing in some of the best talents from overseas,” says Morgan in the latest episode of ‘Futbol Americas’. Temwa Chawinga, Barbra Banda, and Marta are just a few of the international stars making it big in the American domestic league. 

“It’s really great to see the level just continuing to rise every year and new CBA having (a) higher salary cap, no max salary for individual players, things like this will create competitiveness with European teams” added the USWNT legend. By 2030, the base salary cap will be set at around $5.1 million and minimum salaries to $82,500. 

With the new agreement, players will have more control over where they want to play, with the option to sign contracts. Once their contracts expire they will become free agents. The league will also offer increased financial support and speaking of support, Alex Morgan is already making a significant impact off-field, post-retirement. 

Alex Morgan continues scoring on and off the field 

Two months ago, the world was shaken when Alex Morgan announced her retirement, but she made it clear that she would remain an integral part of the beautiful game. Morgan is a major part of ‘Togethxr’ a media company that aims to provide more coverage to the upcoming generation of female athletes. 

The Alex Morgan Foundation also raised over $500,000 for girls and women in San Diego, the city where she spent the final two years of her club career. As per Forbes, a silent auction was also held where souvenirs from Morgan’s career (boots, jerseys), with the benefits going to partners like WeCOACH and Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. 

With the new CBA agreement, Morgan would have been one of the happiest players had this change occurred during her time scoring goals in the NWSL. Nonetheless, better playing conditions will lead to improved player performances, and soon the league will be rubbing shoulders with its counterparts across the Atlantic.